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Can't get Bluesound Node to connect to DAC via iFi iPurifier2 ?

Hello, I am hoping that the collective wisdom of this community can help me figure out what I am doing wrong. I have Bluesound node as a streamer going into Audio Mirror Tubadour III SE via DH Labs 750 Silver Sonic RSA coax cable. The Dac connects via RSA to a Topping Pre90 for volume control back to my Audio Note Oto SE. This configuration works fine when streaming Quboz music. I then decided to add a SPDIF iFi iPurifier2 to the chain. I connected from Bluesound Node Coax input (they only have one) via DH Labs cable to the input section of the iFi Purifier and then connected the iFi output to the Coax input on my AM DAC. When I go to set the AM Dac to Coax, nothing comes out and the light that normally lights up to confirm the Coax selection isnt lit. Similarily, I tried to use Toslink DH Labs optical cable connecting it as well from the iFi optical output to the optical input on my DAC. Again nothing. But when I take the iFI iPurifier out of the link and do just coax Bluesound node to DAC, no problem - it sounds great. I was just trying to see if the iFi would take out some of the jitter from the Bluesound node before it went to my DAC. Any ideas, suggestions would be appreciated. And yes I did turn the complete system on and off to see if the Bluesound Node would recognize the device in the digital chain. Thank you again !!

128x128phill55
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,363 posts
 

@audiostick Scroll down to connections it lists USB as audio output

https://www.bluesound.com/usa/node

you can also check their manual. 

bluorion
479 posts
 

So my experience with my Bluesound Node and Ifi wasn't good either. I have an Ifi Zen DAC V2 that worked great when I connected it via my MacBook to the stereo. BUT, connecting it to the Node didn't work out. I tried every connection imaginable, called and emailed Bluesound only to find out the my Node isn't compatible with the Ifi Zen DAC (according the Bluesound). Hopefully, you'll have better luck. Keep us posted.

moonwatcher
488 posts
 

Just to be clear, from the instructions for a Node N130, the USB "input" can indeed be used as an OUTPUT. 

"USB OUTPUT (TYPE A) The NODE is capable of transferring digital audio (USB Audio 2.0) through to an external DAC via the USB Type-A slot. Using a USB cable (not provided), connect one end to the USB output of the NODE and the other end to the corresponding USB input on a separate DAC device. Select your USB DAC from the NODE’s Audio settings page in the BluOS App to bypass the NODE’s internal DAC via USB audio out."

Do note that there has been some discussion about how well this works or is implemented, and whether the Node does indeed allow a downstream DAC to be in the driver's seat regarding reclocking the data stream.  Perhaps that issue is addressed on other forums with the Node. 

vthokie83
945 posts
 

The Node 130 has active USB output. The Node 2 and Node 2i have a USB connection, but it was not activated until the Node 130

vthokie83
945 posts
 

I have a Node 130 and use the USB output to a Denafrips Iris DDC, which then outputs I2S to a Denafrips Pontus II DAC.....it works brilliantly, and the SQ is excellent. No it is not the same as an Aurender N20 or N200, and yes I will upgrade sometime in 2025

If I were in your shoes, I'd send the iFi back, and buy the Denafrips Iris DDC ($550 new, $400 used if you can find one), then use I2S from the Iris to the Tubeadour.

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